Hydeia Broadbent to receive Partners in Activism Award at 2012 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards on February 11
Posted July 21st, 2011 – Press Releases
When she said, “I am the future and I have AIDS” at the 1996 Republican National Convention, 12-year-old Hydeia Broadbent likely changed perceptions for many people about her once-fatal disease.
Broadbent was born in 1984 – the same year that Desert AIDS Project began as an all-volunteer response to the newly-emerging AIDS epidemic. She inherited HIV in utero from her crack-addicted mother.
Among the first generation of people born HIV-positive, she has been boldly discussing her disease and working to fight the spread of HIV for most of her young life, making appearances on national TV shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show, 20/20, Good Morning America and Nickelodeon Special Edition: A Conversation with Magic Johnson.
Not since Ryan White has a young person spoken out so passionately about having the virus, to fight the fear and stigma that still surround it. On Saturday, February 11, Hydeia Broadbent will be presented with the Partners in Activism Award, sponsored by Desert Regional Medical Center, at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
Celebrities, red carpet glamour, and stage razzle-dazzle aside, the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards are all about honoring those who have made a significant contribution by reminding the world that “AIDS is not over.”
“I am awe-struck by this young lady,” said gala co-chair Barbara Keller. “She is truly doing exemplary work as an AIDS activist. It’s so gratifying how our wonderfully philanthropic community stands up, year after year, to support this very important work.”
Jim Casey, CEO and President of Integrated Wealth Management, Presenting Sponsor the 2011 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, agreed with his co-chair, saying “Watching the work that Hydeia does and being a part of helping her to continue with her message on our stage reinforces why the work D.A.P. does is so important.”
Keller and Casey are hoping to help Desert AIDS Project beat last year’s gala total of more than $1.33 million raised to support client services. Many individuals and organizations — including Eisenhower Medical Center, Harold Matzner, Walgreens, and Wells Fargo — are doing their part to meet that goal by returning as sponsors. Annette Bloch and Helene Galen have also returned as Award Sponsors for the Pioneer Arts and Activism Award and New Generation Arts and Activism Award, respectively. Integrated Wealth Management continues its five-year, $1 million total commitment as Presenting Sponsor.
Desert AIDS Project is the organization in our community where people living with HIV and AIDS can receive comprehensive support, including medical care, case management, and social services. D.A.P. also offers free and confidential HIV testing at a number of locations throughout the communities it serves. To learn more about Desert AIDS Project, please call 760-323-2118, visit www.desertaidsproject.org or find them on Facebook, Twitter, and You Tube.
